Mets' Max Scherzer has Encouraging Outing in Return From Neck Spasms

Max Scherzer answered a big question mark on Sunday by having a strong outing against the Nationals.

WASHINGTON - A sigh of relief.

Max Scherzer hasn't been able to get in a rhythm this season for a multitude of reasons, from a back/scapula issue, to neck spasms to a 10-game suspension for foreign substance usage. 

On Sunday, his first start in 11 days, Scherzer answered the bell and showed that the three-time Cy Young Award winner is still in there.

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Scherzer went five innings, allowing only one run on two hits, while striking out six batters, all on swings and misses, and issuing two walks. Most encouragingly was that his velocity was up, as he averaged 94 mph on his fastball. Scherzer's velocity has been an issue all season, which he and others have cited as a result of lacking rhythm and a routine.

"(I felt) physically good enough that I'm going to be able to avoid the IL and now get back into a routine," Scherzer said after the Mets' 8-2 win over the Nationals in Game 2 of their doubleheader.

Scherzer had time off recently because of neck spasms, which he called a "blessing in disguise because it allowed his back/scapula issue to fully heal. 

On Sunday it showed. 

So the Mets can breathe a sigh of relief after the righty's latest outing. It's a promising sign that Scherzer is going to be able to get back to being an ace, which is what this team is built around: Scherzer and Justin Verlander as the horses atop the rotation.

The Mets are 20-21 as we are about one quarter through the regular season. But there's a lot of baseball left and it looks like both Scherzer and Verlander are starting to get on track. 

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